Sultan withdraws Khir Toyo’s ‘Datuk Seri’ award

(Bernama) – The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has withdrawn the Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (SPMS) award conferred on former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.

The SPMS (First Class) award conferred in 2001, which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri’, was withdrawn on September 30, Selangor State Secretary Mohammed Khusrin Munawi said today.

He said the sultan decided on the withdrawal after consultation with the Selangor Royal Council.

The withdrawal followed the Federal Court decision on September 29 upholding the conviction and 12-month jail sentence meted out by the Shah Alam High Court on Dr Mohamad Khir for using his position to buy land and a bungalow in Shah Alam eight years ago.

“As Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo was found guilty and sentenced for the offence he was charged with, he is no longer fit to hold this award,” he said in a statement.

As such, Dr Mohamad Khir was prohibited from keeping the award and using the “Datuk Seri” title while others were barred from addressing him by that title.

Mohammed Khusrin said the sultan was concerned about the reputation of recipients of Selangor state awards, especially leaders involved in criminal wrongdoing and immoral acts such as corruption, breach of trust and abuse of power.

He said the recipients of Selangor state awards should protect the dignity of the awards and maintain their own status.

“The sultan advised all civil servants, leaders, professionals and corporate leaders not to practice abuse of power or corruption in daily life as these can destroy the dignity of the race, people, religion and country.

“He reminded all quarters to ensure that appropriate measures and action are taken to curb corruption, breach of trust, abuse of power and immoral practices among civil servants, leaders, professionals, corporate members and individuals to ensure that the state and the country are run by an efficient administration with integrity,” he said.